By
Rebecca Gibson |
Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co (XSI) cut the first steel plates for Viking Line’s new cruise ferry at its yard in China on 3 September.
Set for delivery at the end of 2020, Viking Line’s new vessel will provide passenger and freight services on the route between Turku in Finland, the Åland islands and Stockholm, Sweden from early 2021. The 2,800-passenger vessel will be built to Ice Class 1A standards and will feature systems and technologies that have been designed by various European suppliers, including ABB Marine, Almaco, Deltamarin, Kone and Wärtsilä.
The newbuild will be fuelled by LNG and will be equipped with optimised energy efficiency and environmentally friendly solutions. This will enable her to consume 10% less fuel than Viking Line’s Viking Grace, which debuted as the world’s first LNG-powered large passenger ship in January 2013.
Swedish architectural firm Koncept Stockholm has designed the interiors of the 922 cabins and public spaces, which combine “Scandinavian lightness and playfulness in an attractive way” and will provide unobstructed views of the Åland archipelago.
“Our company’s roots are in the archipelago and we wish this fact to be reflected in our activities,” said Jan Hanses, president and CEO of Viking Line. “On the new ship, the views are unobstructed, and one can experience the overall presence of the sea. To protect our unique marine environment, we utilise innovative technologies. Tomorrow’s passenger experiences will incorporate an emphasis on environmental factors and comfort.”